Nicotine withdrawal symptoms timeline

For most people, the worst symptoms of nicotine withdrawal only last a few days to a couple weeks. But cravings for cigarettes can last longer. We review the common nicotine withdrawal symptoms and offer a timeline for you to track your progress. You can do it!

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms

Nicotine affect many parts of your body, including your brain. Over time, your body and brain get used to the prescence of nicotine and when you stop smoking, you go through withdrawal. So withdrawal is simply the time that it takes for your body to adjust to not having nicotine. Nicotine withdrawal can be unpleasant, but you can get through it. Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal do get better over time. In fact, every day the symptoms will improve.

The first few hours

Withdrawal onset begins within a few hours of the last does of nicotine. Although nicotine withdrawal is different for every smoker, common symptoms of withdrawal during this acute phase include:

The first couple of weeks

Some symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can persist for a couple of weeks after you stop using nicotine. You may notice attention disturbance, restlessness, sleep disturbance, and cognitive performance changes last more than a week after you go through the more intense feelings of anxiety and depression related to nicotine withdrawal. Weight gain may also result from an increase in appetite. However, these symptoms should not last longer than a couple of weeks. Cravings for nicotine, however, may persist long after actute withdrawal from nicotine is successful.

How long does nicotine withdrawal last?

The duration of nicotine withdrawal syndrome (the official diagnostic name for nicotine withdrawal) varies, but on average, the acute physical syndrome is worst during the first month of abstinence. In a recent study, all symptoms related to nicotine withdrawal returned to baseline levels much earlier than one month – and resolved within 10 days of quitting.

Help for nicotine withdrawal

Experts have found that both medications and behavioral treatments (such as self-help books or cognitive-behavioral therapy) can help you stop smoking in the long run. See this workbook on how to control cigarette urges as an example. But there are medications that can help you get over the hump when going through withdrawal. These include:

1. Antidepressants – The antidepressant bupropion is FDA-approved and can help people quit smoking. The brand name for bupropion is Zyban.

2. Nicotine replacement therapy – Nicotine replacement therapy supplies enough nicotine to the body to prevent withdrawal symptoms but not enough to provide the quick jolt caused by inhaling a cigarette. Nicotine gum or skin patches are available over the counter, but you need a prescription to use nicotine nasal spray and nicotine inhalers.

3. Smoking cessation medicines – Varenicline tartrate (Chantix) is also used for smoking cessation. These medications are non-nicotine based but still act at the sites in the brain affected by nicotine. Ask your doctor about this new generation of medicine which may help you quit nicotine dependence by easing withdrawal symptoms and blocking the effects of nicotine if you start smoking again.

Anticipate cravings to start smoking again

A tricky thing about nicotine is that smoking or using tobacco can be associated with pleasant memories, rituals and feelings. So even years after you stop smoking, urges to smoke can still be present. New situations or stress can especially trigger relapse. In order to control cravings, you need to anticipate them and know how to choose different behaviors to respond to life. You can also find more help using these national hotlines and talk to a tobacco cessation counselor:

1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848)

1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)

Questions about nicotine withdrawal?

If you still have questions about nicotine withdrawal symptoms, please leave them here. We’ll do our best to respond to you and provide a personal and prompt answer about nicotine withdrawal below.

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90 Responses to “Nicotine withdrawal symptoms timeline”

crosslegged

1:47 pm October 24th, 2011

My husband has quit a few times since we’ve been married. It takes him about 3 days to feel acutely better, but a lot longer to actually get the tar and residual chemical gunk out of his lungs. One thing that really helped was exercise.

AAAVVV

1:20 am February 8th, 2012

26 yo I have been smoking for the last five years without a break (365×5). Want to get back to some form of physical activity and want to quit. Its been 3 days and regular exercise and keeping my mind off smoking has helped. I think I am past the urge to smoke, but not sure how it would feel in the days to follow. Anyone else in a similar situation, I am not taking any nicotine substitutes.

Hi AAVVV. Thanks for message. and congratulations on your decision to quit smoking! Smoking cessation is one of the most difficult things to achieve, so knowing what is ahead of you will help.

There are 24 hour nicotine and smoking hotlines that you can call during cravings, or to ask and learn more about creating a new life without smoking. I’d suggest that you start here, and get resources from smokefree[dot]gov to increase your chances of staying quit.

Some people out there may be have a will power trying to stop smoking at the start. But, many of them will going through with just will of power? They just canâ€™t make it without a motivator which is always remind them about stop smoking. In most cases, they will become smoker in just a few days. Most people set a target in the beginning of the year to stop smoking but fail to maintain their will of power. My dad become a smoker again in a three days.

Hi Yuri. I’m sorry to hear about your dad smoking again. That must be very difficult for you. And what you say is true. Unless you have a PLAN to deal with the nicotine cravings, you will go right back to smoking again. One idea is to find an activity or behavior to REPLACE the cigarette. Another is to identify what happens RIGHT BEFORE you start to smoke and to deal with the emotions and psychological thoughts. But without a plan, it make stopping smoking nearly impossible.

Debbie

4:50 pm August 4th, 2012

This is my fourth day of being smoke free. Psychologically, the third day was the hardest. Today, though, I just feel hung over. Thinking of a puff of a cig makes me want to yak!

We can do this! I am not letting a cigarette regulate my life and I’m sick of being looked at like I had three eyes!

Hi Debbie. Good for you! Congratulations. Check out those hotline numbers I listed above and program them into your phone. You never know when a craving can hit you from out of nowhere!

Ruth

11:50 pm September 5th, 2012

This is my 6th day smoke free. I have been smoking for 35 years, a pack a day and have tried MANY times to quit. I have used Zyban, Nic patches, Nic gum, acupuncture and by day 4 latest, I was back smoking. This time I did it cold turkey, with no aids at all and I’m now ending day 6. Cold turkey by far is the easiest method of them all. In previous attempts using the patch, I was always in a light withdrawl all day and night and finally after several days my resolve tired of fighting this and I gave up. This method is a lot less painless, sure you have a few “hard days” but on the 6th day and it feels almost over for me. if I can do it cold turkey, believe me anyone can!! Please give it a try if you are still smoking.

denny

1:57 pm September 8th, 2012

Hi. I,m denny . I quit about 10day But i,m very anxienty. Panic. That i feek like **** Then still lightheaded. Am i common ? I really stress Can some one help me to calmdown. Or how long the withdraw gone

Hi Denny. It’s possible that after 10 days of withdrawal from nicotine you are experiencing some of the psycho-emotional symptoms that got you hooked in the first place. While anxiety and racing thoughts can be common in smokers who quit, there are ways that you can calm yourself. Firstly, have you seen a doctor and gotten a medical opinion?

K-07

6:26 am September 14th, 2012

This is my 5th day , After 4 years this Is my first attempt . Hope i will succeed. I really want to quit, I dono how to substitute smokes when i have a drink.

Hi K-07. Yes, drinking is a difficult trigger for many people who smoke. Perhaps you can substitute nibbling on snacks like pretzels or other salty foods when drinking. You might also consider calling a tobacco cessation hotline during especially difficult moments to help talk you through what you are thinking.

Jeff

1:29 pm September 14th, 2012

Wow!!! Congrats to everyone!!! @ K-07 I quit smoking and drinking 12 weeks ago!!! I knew I had to quit drinking if I wanted to quit smoking. Some things that helped me… First and foremost, I give God the glory and praise for where I am today. When I quit I really thought I was going to die.. I never dreamed nicotine and alcohol had such an impact and control of my body. Don’t give in!!!! It does get better!!! Doesn’t mean some days won’t be tougher than others. At least once a day look at a picture of a healthy lung and then look at a picture of a smokers lung. Very powerful. I am not a doctor but be careful of the gum and patch. It is my understanding that the cigarette manufactures want you to use these items. As long as you are addicted to the nicotine from the patch or gum the odds to you starting to smoke again are very good and that is what they want. THEY WANT YOUR MONEY.. My prayers are with each of you and remember, YOUR BATTLE IS ALREADY WON!!!

Jeff

1:31 pm September 14th, 2012

Sorry, forgot to add one thing.. If you are not successful the first time don’t give up!!! Identify what caused you to stumble and next time you will be prepared and strong!!!!

Alloush

11:45 pm September 14th, 2012

Well… I am smoking since 2001 I guess… I started with confidence and now I am ending with confidence. I enjoyed smoking for years, But now I feel awful, and always feel like I am doing something which is not good. I miss being healthy, cough and smell free… I need to get back to a healthy life… and these withdrawal symptoms are nothing in front of what I am gonna get. Stay Healthy and Beautiful.

Good luck to you, Alloush. And please let us know if we can help support you in a smoke free life!

Bridget

12:07 am September 20th, 2012

Hey guys!

I am 24 years ago-I smoked Djarums alot- long story short & I got sick a few days ago with a UTI …. i haven’t smoked for maybe 5 days atleast or drank caffeine excluding a couple sips of coffee- These are my symptoms: My body is kind of achy my head kind of hurt sometimes my arm hurts a little- My brain feels tired- not hungry- fatigue- I also threw up earlier today it suuuckssss not to mention I do desire to smoke because I honestly liked it- are these symtoms normal?

Carol

8:38 pm September 20th, 2012

I am on day 4 and really tearful, I am in a difficult personal situation which has always been my excuse not to stop but I need to think of my long term health and finances. Just finding today very hard. Been using spray but trying to do without. I have smoked for 20 years. Hope this gets easier…

Hari

5:28 am September 27th, 2012

Hi all It’s been about 60 hours since I had my last puff. I don’t know if I will win the battle and be able to turn myself into an ex-smoker but I do know that I accept the fact that I am an addict and need to battle nicotine for the rest of my life. I have not had too many withdrawal symptoms except for eating slightly more but I find myself thinking of how much more relaxed I feel when I smoke (a myth if there ever was one) And I have to keep fighting that off. I have found it useful to accept to my friends that I am an addict and they should not view cigarettes as a habit but an addiction. I think it has changed the way they have rallied behind me now that they realise what a serious affliction this is. Will keep posting for the next couple of weeks so that I accept publicly my status and not hide in a corner pretending it’s just a bad habit

Jeff

3:18 pm October 5th, 2012

Very easy to start back I can assure you but bottom line is if you do start back you are letting the Nicotine be in control. Easy to say I know but I promise you it does get easier. I keep remembering how sick I got when I quit. Felt like I was going to die. If I was to start back again then I know at some point I would have to go through that nightmare again. Just not worth it. Find you power source!!!

All the best of luck, Dee. Remember to have a plan and that the first three (3) days are the hardest. Once you a free from nicotine, have an activity which replaces smoking for stress – walk for 5 minutes around the block, do some stretching, jumping jacks…whatever. But having a plan in place will make relapse less likely.

Belinda

9:26 pm November 10th, 2012

Taking major strain, despite illness and a tight chest and cough. @4 hours in. Need a distraction, that’s why I am here. Alone does not help. 0ne hour and still intense craving. Help.

Hi I’m Jan. I’ve smoked for over 20 years – I’m 58. I had quit before for 11 years and started again over 20 years ago. I’ve quit again with the aid of patches and feel great! It has not been difficult using the patches. When I tried without the patch I was so irritable I was afraid I’d lose my job. That being said, I’m concerned about what happens when I stop the patches. I’ve quit for over a month now and realize, ultimately, I need to be free of the nicotine. In my experience before, when I quit for 11 years, the psychological addiction was worse than the nicotine addiction. I remember severe craving and irritability for 2-3 months and not really feeling like I was getting there until after 6 months or more. I sincerely appreciate all the feedback here and will make use of the hotlines. I am determined to be smoke and nicotine free.

shana

3:55 am January 6th, 2013

I am on day four of smoking cessation. What is working for me is making a daily goal not to smoke. If I think about it like I’ll never have another cigarette again, I get major anxiety. I just started with the thought “I’m not going to smoke today .” It wasn’t planned this way, but it has been my daily goal since. So far, so good. I haven’t slipped yet, but if I do, I will look at it as I failed my goal for the DAY. Not that I failed to quit smoking. The difference is that if I failed the goal for that day, I could still acheive my goal the next day. Today has been the worst day so far, but I refuse to give into the cravings. Mostly because I don’t want to begin the withdrawal process all over again. This is the first time I have ever felt confident about trying to give up smoking. Taking it day by day really breaks it down into acheivable parts. For now, I am also avoiding alcohol, other smokers, and long car rides. Just until I’m out of the woods.

prem

6:45 am January 6th, 2013

hi its been almost 5 months now of my smoke free life…it feels real greadt..but i still have pain in my lungs and mostly on left hand side..it was more before couple of days but now its getting better…all you need to quit is just promise to ur self that no matter what happens i am not gonna smoke…that worked me..i used to smoke 20ciggi a day for last 10 years almost..and i choosed a cold turkey…good luck guys…and last thing all the withdrawl symptoms are so easy to tolerate…do not afraid of it…if i can quit anyone can quit…peace guys..live a smoke freee life…

bee flo

12:25 pm January 10th, 2013

Hi i quit dec16th cause i got sick and havent smoked since but let me tell you it is by far the hardest thimg ive ever done……

Hi Bee Flo. I believe it! Good for you!!! I’d suggest that you go out and do something you’ve always wanted to do. Join a group, start a new class, or learn something new. Replace smoking with another activity, and it will get easier with time.

Ben

12:47 am January 12th, 2013

Hi Everyone, Its been two days now,So far so good,Im on Champax and it seems to be alot easier than other attempts,Been smoking for 30 years,I just am trying to remember that if i dont feed the addiction it will die out,smoking only relieves the withdraw symptoms from the last cigarette,,Im 46 so i cant wait to be free

Martin

12:24 pm January 23rd, 2013

I’ve been nicotine free for 10 days today following 38 years of smoking 20 a day.

I’ve tried to quit before and have managed a couple of months on more than one occasion but, eventually, have always managed to convince myself at some point that just one smoke won’t hurt! Usually this happens after a drink with friends that are smoking.

However, on this occasion, I think I may have found the answer – herbal cigarettes- 100% nicotine free. I’ve been substituting normal cigarettes whilst withdrawing from nicotine and it has made it a lot easier than usual – even though they don’t remove the cravings, they seem to temporarily fool the mind into believing it’s getting what it wants. Now, 10 days in, I’m finding I don’t want to smoke them anywhere near as regularly and only had one yesterday and none today, so far.

Of course, it’s not good to inhale smoke of any kind, so I want to stop these as soon as possible, but that should be easy once all cravings have gone. I’ll make sure that if I go for a drink I’ll have some handy so that if the urge to smoke becomes irresistible, I can have one without the danger of re-addicting myself to nicotine.

Trish

7:42 pm January 26th, 2013

Quit 17 days ago. No nicotine replacement. Just cold turkey. My anxiety is terrible right now. Every five minutes I am feeling anxiety and wanting to smoke. Please tell me this will pass soon!

Hang in there, Trish! Have you tried calling any of the hotlines listed above?

Jeff

1:31 pm January 28th, 2013

Trish, I can’t lie to you.. Withdrawels differ with everyone. Might be another week or so… BUT IT WILL GET EASIER once the nicotine loses it’s hold on your brain. This is what worked for me.. You have to flood your brain with negative thoughts about cigarettes. Your brain is telling you how good it makes you feel and how good they are. I know, been there done that… Google images of smokers lungs and healthy lungs. Look at how black and nasty the smokers lungs are.. Do the same for smoker’s skin. Notice how dry and withered it looks… Do that as often as you can. Hope that helps… Oh yea, read Proverbs in your Bible.. Promise that will help also.. Very powerful messages.

shana

5:44 pm January 28th, 2013

I am now on day 26. After the first week, I joined a gym. I have been a member of a gym before when I was smoking. What a difference! I don’t feel like I’m going to drop dead while doing cardio! I feel better than I have in years! Exercise is my new addiction, and has made quitting smoking so much easier. I do not want another nasty cigarette. Ever! Even when I drink. I can proudly say that I am officially a non-smoker! My kids are thrilled too! My 5 year old marks each day on the calendar that I don’t smoke. 26 days and counting!

dee

5:39 pm January 29th, 2013

have stayed of cigs but still have one r two with a glass of wine at weekend dont seem able to do without a cig with a glass of wine

Will

2:50 am January 30th, 2013

Good for you Shana, I gave up last week, coz I can’t afford it. that simple, I am on Job seekers and that gives you 65 pounds a week. Yet the addiction to cigs has meant that i have managed have two packs of ten a week for six months now. It shows how powerful it is. And if I dont quit now, when I get an income again…. I will have ingrained that the ciggarettes are my reward and will be up to ten a day again. Its all or nothing, you do or you dont smoke, it seems!!

amber

2:13 pm February 3rd, 2013

Here I am 13 days and no cigarettes. These past few days have been hell. I quit smoking the morning I woke up and realized I had bronchitis once again. So I have been coughing and coughing. I cough so much I have really hurt some bones and muscles in my rib area. It hurts so damn bad to cough, yet I’m glad it does, keep s me from smoking. I shake, and sweat. I hurt, I want to eat anything in sight. Today I woke up drenched in sweat with a killer headache and nausea. Thank God I just don’t want to smoke. I smoked close to 25 years. I just want to stop coughing, I hurt so bad

Gail Wales

2:06 pm February 9th, 2013

This is my 2nd day of not smoking of 35 yrs, now i want a cig so bad i could scream, i refuse to use the patch or gum, or the elec cig b/c they all contain nicotine… just need support from someone that understands what we go thru getting of nicotine!!

Matman

3:25 pm February 9th, 2013

That Chatrix or whatever, However u spell it was the ONLY thing that worked for my Wife, Me And (Chain smoking) Mother n Law

Ben

10:32 pm February 9th, 2013

Hi Gail, Its been a month in for me now,hang in there,it gets better,im already noticing the benefits,do anything to keep busy

Ranzi

8:23 pm February 21st, 2013

It’s been 2. Months smoking free and ohhhh god I’ve seen he’ll with my eyes but now I think am on the last stages hope it lessen more and more

Ranzi

8:26 pm February 21st, 2013

Somedays I feel like the happiest human then on the second dAy I feel like am living in hell I didn’t know it’s that hard but with time it will pass and hope it doesn’t last long

Bon

12:40 am February 25th, 2013

Haven’t smoked in about 5 weeks. I’m two weeks done with my nicotine patches. Have been SERIOUSLY depressed for past week, much more down but also angry and easily pissed off. I am already on an antidepressant so can’t go on another one. Is the past week depression/anger from the not smoking? seems harder now then it did at the beginning, waking up sweating like crazy, sister told me I was talking/screaming/crying in my sleep on weekend (we were at hotel room for funeral on weekend) but I woke up not remembering anything. i never remember dreams. Anyway just need some encouragement to keep on..don’t want to be a smoker..but can’t keep feeling like this..it sucks!

Hello Bon. It sounds like you’re really going through a rough period, especially with the loss of someone through death. This can make the urge to smoke even stronger.

I’d suggest that you seek some psychotherapy counseling to help give you motivation and to set goals for yourself during this period. When we no longer can rely on our old crutches, we have to learn to walk again. And talk therapy is one really helpful way to get started learning new behaviors for reacting to life.

I wish you all the best!

Ramzi

2:09 pm February 27th, 2013

Confusion after quitting smoking how much does it last

Daniel

3:54 am February 28th, 2013

Hi all,

I’m on the end of day 6 now. I quit before for seven years but started back on it a few years ago. I’ve tried quitting three times seriously. I smoked a pack a day.

I feel crappy all the time but I just try to make it through each day. I’m self employed and can work as many hours as I choose. The extra hours are the ones where I make profit. I figure that I used to spend at least one hour per day smoking or related to smoking.

Today I multiplied my hourly rate by 365 days per year and then by 5/7 to reflect that I usually work 5 days out of seven. TRY IT. It ended up being a lot of cash in addition to the $2,500 I will save per year from not buying smokes.

I’m going to put aside the extra money to buy nice things for myself as reward miles. Then I’m going to think about selling those nice things to buy smokes when I try to talk myself into having “just one”. This helped me the last time and maybe it will be part of your solutions.

GOOD LUCK QUITTERS!

Jane

3:38 pm March 6th, 2013

I have not had a cigarette since Feb. 8 th, I am on the patch, so will I get addicted to the nicotine in the patch,

I have been a 2 to 4 cigarette a day smoker for a couple of years now and just quite 7 weeks ago. I used bupropion and it worked great. I believe my withdrawals are finished…..since I was not a heavy smoker and with the help of the bupropion ~ would that be correct? I have no uncontrollable signs now…..just an urge once in awhile if I am in an extremely stressful situation. It was so worth it to quit!

Krissy

7:10 pm March 27th, 2013

Its been awhile, like I would say 72 hours…It sucks cause I feel like my mind and eyes are floating in and out….plus I’m very emotional, getting sad, mad, & very on edge….grrr will this get any better.

MySister'sBestFriend

2:55 am April 15th, 2013

My sister died 3/12/13. They said she was at final stage COPD…was 14/100 She was my best friend in the world…only a yr younger than me. I have tried to quit many times….failed. Even seeing her with an oxygen tank didn’t work for me. But, losing HER has been the absolute worse loss in my life. I have quit smoking, but have horrible urges…been doing chantix..(1/2 pill when I have urge) JUST QUIT!

Envyous

11:11 pm April 16th, 2013

I am on my fourth day of quitting and I am extremely irritable very exhausted and my chest has huge discomfort at times and sometimes I have burning sensations in my chest but it isn’t constant is this normal it can be left or right side and back pain and headache.. Just wondering if this is normal and how long it typically takes to feel not so hurt and in pain and what helps ????

Kayden

3:32 pm April 21st, 2013

I have quit smoking many times and then started back up again. One thing I have learned through all of it is that you are never truly out of the woods. It is extremely important to always respect the possibility of a relapse. Some people quit for 20 years before their relapse occurs. I have quit for months, several times, and each time I would get to a point where I thought I was over it. I let my guard down, and that’s when the relapses happened. So, if you are quitting for the first time, be aware of this.

Rachael

12:11 am May 2nd, 2013

I am almost 24 hours in, and I feel like hell. I am so restless and moody. I need to continue to tell myself that I am worth it and I can get thru this. I am so glad I can come here for advice and support.

Amos

6:55 pm May 2nd, 2013

Hi, I quit smoking for 35 days now but noticed that my sex drive is gone too. Is that normal and how long to regain this drive?

Sangi Singh

6:38 am May 27th, 2013

Hi . i was habitual of chewing tabbaco which i left 40 days ago. Im still having sore cheeks and sores in tongue. Im feeling difficulty in eating my food. lot of irritation is there in mouth. suggest what to do.

Laurie

4:25 am August 7th, 2013

Yesterday I was without nicotine for 34 days. I had a horrible headache and was crying much of the day over nothing. Now, although Ive been stable for years, I am bipolar type 2. So, I dont know if my medicine isnt working anymore or if I could still have been having physical withdrawal symptoms. ?

Sangi Singh

12:12 pm August 13th, 2013

I eat the tabbaco for 30 years. I lost all my confidence due to guilt of being addictive of worst thing. after a lot of brain storming i took it easy and just left the tabbaco chewing 5 months ago with a single sentence in mind GOOD BYE dear Tabbaco. many times i still feels carving but every time i reply to my self Good bye to tabbaco…. Its easy to quit. just take it easy.

tracet

4:40 pm September 13th, 2013

Day 4 w/o ciggies. I cannot sleep though! Insomnia is really bad. I am taking Chantix which I have used before to quit (had prev quit for 4 years then started again) but didn’t have any ill effects from it. I am older now (52) and have been a smoker since I was 12. Time to quit for good!!!! But I need sleep. UG!

krjrowan@yahoo.com

7:24 pm September 29th, 2013

I am being drug tested at my job for nicotine. How many days does it take to not test positive?

i am on chantix now and doing well. i have been cheating a little about 3-4 a day the test is happening soon oct 13 pleas let me know how many days it takes to get out of my blood and system. thank you kathleen jackson

Lauren

9:14 pm October 2nd, 2013

I have smoked for 15 years and am 32. Until now… I have been using the nicoderm patch system and after 10 days of using step two then step 3, I do not desire cigarettes. However..today is day one with out my step 3 7mg patch and I feel like I got hit by a truck! My head is aching, and foggy. I am nautious and dizzy, I just feel awful. Is this normal? When will this feeling go away, when will I feel ok again? Damn you Nicotine, Damn you. LAUREN

Rachael

12:18 pm October 27th, 2013

Ugh! Im on day 3 without a smoke. No patches, gums or meds. Ive smoked a pack and half a day for about 20 yrs. Ive given up many things and this is the worst thing so far. I want to smoke so bad but i know i cant. Im constantly tired but cant stay asleep more than 2hrs at a time, Im constantly hungry, im super depressed, i am snapping at everyone for no reason, i cant think, my chest and body hurts. I am avoiding all of my family and friends that smoke.

I just want to know when is this all going to end?!

michelle

1:17 am November 8th, 2013

I have been smoke free for 16 days what a tough time it has been but I am confident and hopeful it will stick this time

JLO

9:01 pm January 2nd, 2014

New Years 2014 Resolution to quit smoking. Smoker for 17+ years. Going on 48 hours since the last cigarette. Not using any nicotine replacement therapy. Happy to leave this nasty habit for good.

Thomas

3:27 pm January 29th, 2014

hello all friend. I quit smoking already 6 months, in first few weeks I got panic attack and heart palpitation. But now I suffer insomnia already 3weeks so how long is gonna clean the nicotine ??

mj

11:57 am February 12th, 2014

Im on my third day of no smoking. Useing the pill buproban was wondering if anyone who has use it could not sleep. been five days with only a couple hours of sleep. But after 36 years of smoking i think missing sleep wont hurt me. Has tyhis happened to others or could it be the pills..

Jen

7:23 pm February 25th, 2014

Quit last Friday-cold turkey (5 days ago). Have smoked 22 years…I’m a 44 year old mom. Can’t sleep well and very tired. After I found out I might have lung cancer last Friday I haven’t had another one. Still do not know if I have cancer…had a CTscan of my chest and get results tomorrow. In the 22 years of smoking I quit for ten years and started again 6years ago…biggest mistake of my life…not even sure if I will have a life after the scare I just got. Stay strong and don’t ever start again…you might just be where I am right now!

Tricia

2:44 pm March 23rd, 2014

Hi everyone. I was a smoker for 28 years starting when I was 12 and this year I will be 40. I have been smoke free going on day 4. I am scared as hell I must say. I am afraid it may be too late for me and scared of relapsing at any time. I am using an e cig only to help through the rough times n plan on putting it down on my 1 week quit mark. One thing that has helped me so far is realizing the voice in my head that is telling me I cant do this and its silly to quit, you will always smoke and die a smoker and to just go smoke is not me but the cigarette talking. I tell that cigarette no that I dont want to smoke anymore. For me it has been that recognition that has fueled me to keep going. I have attempted to quit in the past but was not successful but before I just wasnt ready to and I think I am finally ready! Good luck to all my fellow quitters and remember that we all are stronger than that cigarette in our mind!

Diane

1:32 pm March 31st, 2014

So glad I found this to read!! I am 62, had my last cigarette March 1st. And keep wondering when I am going to feel better! Honestly, I have felt terrible since I quit. I have to say, I did use an Ecig for 3wks. But this Friday it will be 2wks. Or more nicotine free. I want to have an elective surgery done and you must be nicotine free 2wks. Before and 2wks. After. This is my big reason for quitting but I am well aware of how bad it is for you so I do not want to start again. Forgot to say…I am a very anxious person to begin with so I’m thinking that’s why it’s been hard for me to feel good. Good luck to everyone….your life means more than a stinking cigarette!!

Lauren

9:57 pm March 31st, 2014

I too have to have surgery (not elective, required) to correct a birth defect and this will be my 4th surgery. The past 3 surgeries I’ve had, I never had to quit smoking. This time I do and it’s been hell. In was put on Chantix and only lasted a week and a half. I started to forget to take the pill and was down to 3 cigarettes a day from my usual 1/2 pack a day. I just turned 30, March 18th and I started 18 years ago. Mentally I’m now where’s close to wanting to quit and I’m struggling with the cravings. I haven’t smoked since last Tuesday night. I’ve gone cold turkey for a whole week. I stopped Chantix because I noticed the nausea and sharp pains and increased blurriness in my eyes was becoming extremely unbareable. Since I stopped Chantix, the nausea comes and goes, but the shakes, lightheadedness, the zoning in and out and the desire to just smell a cigarette are still there. My surgeon demanded that I be nicotine free 3-4 wks. prior to surgery and I was told that I will be ‘drug tested for nicotine’ during my pre-op appointment and also the morning of my surgery. If there’s any trace of nicotine, the surgery will be cancelled. I’ve made it this long not smoking, I just need the surgery done since the pain is unbareable. I couldn’t even use the patches or gums if I wanted because they have nicotine. I’d rather go through alcohol withdrawal like I did 5 years ago any day, then go through nicotine withdrawal. This is painful all around. Good luck everyone.

amber

2:00 am April 4th, 2014

I’ve been smoking for 6 years, and today I finally quit. I can’t tell you how much this sucks for me. My brain can’t make sense of anything and my heart is racing. It would be so simple to just go buy a pack, but I’m not going to. I just wish that I ‘wanted’ to quit…instead of just knowing that I need to. I don’t want to quit at all. I enjoy smoking…but, I have 3 kids…and every second that I waste ‘stepping outside for a mommy-break’, means less time with them. Not just short term, but in the long haul…if I don’t do this now, I’ll die before my time. That’s what is driving me. I wish that I had never started…i knew better. Smoking was such a bad choice. I just hope that God pushes me through this…and helps me to not be a total jerk to my kids when the with drawl really kicks in. I hope that God will be stronger than I am through all of this, because I feel so incapable of strength at the moment. Wish me luck, guys!

Jill

10:49 am April 19th, 2014

Day 3 for me, am using the patch. First, I just want to get my lungs clear so I can breathe! Already I can smell the cigarette smell in my car that I never noticed before. I will detail the car to make it smell good, today. I’ve decided to treat myself to dinner out every day that I don’t smoke. This will help keep me busy, and also celebrate that I get something nice with my money instead of demon tobacco, LOL. I am 62 years old, cannot believe that I was so stupid to start smoking at age 50. I knew better, but now will know better, forever. Smoking steals so much from a person: time, money, health, relationships. NEVER AGAIN!!!!

LW

11:22 pm April 28th, 2014

I am two weeks without a smoke I quit 2/11/14 through 3/15/14 started back had to forgive myself and try again. I have always used the patch in the past and I did for the first week this time. Since I had been smoke free for over a month and had a short relapse I have decided not to continue with the patches. I know that they do serve a purpose because I have the shakes, nausea and just can not function. Life is to short to waste on smoking. I had an uncle who died at 55 from smoking but not before struggling for several years with cancer and what the family went through. When I think about smoking I picture this once vibrant horseback riding outdoorsman in a coffin. I think of what his wife and children went through watching him deteriorate and the enormousness debt. Smoking is a social taboo, it stinks, it is expensive, and it is DEADLY! I tell myself 1 out of 2 smokers will die from a smoking related illness. I bundle this together every time the thought of smoking comes up and it helps. I know I can do it and so can anyone else.

Mac

6:43 pm May 19th, 2014

Hi to all. I quit today cold turkey after 24 years smoking. I bought two bags of lollipops and a big bag of sunflower seeds. My plan will be like if I have an urge to light a cigarette, I will get a lollipop. After the lollipop, gonna have some seeds to chew. Gonna do this for a week so wish me luck.

ld

12:02 pm June 4th, 2014

Hi all I’ve started to quit today with an e cigarette.. its been 4 hours and I feel ill and depressed is this normal??

phil

11:02 am June 5th, 2014

Hi all. About 3 weeks now. Cold turkey. Smoked pack a day for 50 years. Absolute hell. But I will win.

al

11:12 pm July 3rd, 2014

Hi all, just got over the 3 day hump. I was irritable and craved to smoke so bad, but cold turkey is the fastest way to get over it, just lay in a room when you crave it and wait 3 minutes it’ll pass and it’ll happen allot. Day 4 I didn’t feel a thing but as I was cleaning I found an old sorry my brain did it so day where I just lit it up and took a puff. I was very angry but, didn’t want it to stop me so I threw it putt and I’m going to keep going. If you can do this you can do anything! I feel great now, I can breathe, smell and I’m confident because I’ve done one of the most impossible things and it is awesome! DeLong if you relapse don’t be hard on yourself just think of the present and everything you crave and wait 3 minutes it’ll pass!

Murali

3:22 pm July 23rd, 2014

Today is my 15th day in cold turkey

Babi

11:19 pm July 24th, 2014

Hi, 20 days ago my father had a heart attack, so he stopped smoking immediately after. He has been smoking for over 25 years. He has not smoke for 20 days now, and he is not using any medicament for nicotine withdrawal either. But he has been having diarrhea for 5 days also some vomiting ( just 3 times). Can this be a symptom of nicotine withdrawal? Can this symptoms be happening in the 3rd week of nicotine withdrawal?

Jonathan

6:43 am July 25th, 2014

I am 49 years old and have smoked 1 to 2 packs a day since I was 16 years old. That’s between 12045 and 24090 packs of cigerattes I have smoked in my life time. Needless to say cigarettes have been there during all aspects of my life the good and the bad. November 2013 I realized cigarettes were causing me to miss out on things in my life. I became ill with a respiratory infection and missed my daughters wedding, and remained ill with a persist cough until June 2014. I was lucky it was nothing serious but my body had become so week due to cigerattes I could not fight off the infection. June 17th I started taking Chantix and on July 5,,2014 at 10:43 am CST I had my last cigarette. I can’t compare quitting with the help of Chantix to going cold turkey, or any other method, since this is the only time I have ever tired to quit. However I can explain what I have gone thru and continue to experience. Day 1 Within 4 hours of quitting the cravings started. Within 12 hours the craving turning into mini anxiety attacks lasting 3 to 5 minutes and reoccurring every 10 minutes. Day 2 more of the same from day 1 plus no patience and very irritable. Day 3 same as day 2 but started coughing up mucus – gross part mucus tasted like nicotine and I start to enjoy it. Anxiety attacks intensity is decreasing somewhat. Day 4 same as day 3 but the cravings are not as frequent and the anxiety attacks a few and far between each espisode. Day 5 Extreme cravings hunted all over the house, car, and boat for a cigarette. Found a package of camel snus that I received as a sample 2 years ago, and decided to try it. The snus took away the the nicotine cravings. Day 6 through Day 14 continue to use the snus, actually can tell I am using the snus more each day and starting to wonder if I am trading cigerattes for another addiction. Day 15 quit the Snus, Craving return without the anxiety attacks. Day 16 through current – still crave cigerattes, just not as bad, but do crave them, some times bad!!! Physical aspects Day 5 Morning cough is gone. Day 7 Was able to walk down stairs, work out in the garden for 30 minutes and walk back up all the stairs without being winded or breaking out in a pouring sweat. Day 10 able to walk without getting winded walked 3′miles today. Day 17 staring to feel better physically everyday and starting to be constipated daily. Day 20 started to feel tightness in chest a couple of different times today, read that constipation and tightness in chest can be withdrawal symptoms.

Overview -’the past 20 days have not been easy. There hasn’t been a day I haven’t craved a cigeratte. During the past 20 days there has been times I would have taken a cigarette away from the meanest man on earth, and there has been times I turned down cigarettes that were offered to me, I struggle daily but I believe my struggle is getting easier.

CFS

7:18 pm July 25th, 2014

Have been smoke free for over a month but now I find I’m easily upset. Cry at the drop of a hat. Also have a dull headache and my sleep pattern is really messed up. But at least I’m not coughing and wheezing and really haven’t been bothered with weight gain this time Plus the extra money is nice . I was 1 1/2 – 2 packs a day smoker .So all in all it’s worth it. But I too and starting to have flash backs about smoking and the positive feeling you get But it’s worth it all to be able to say I’m a EX smoker . Anyone else who is having these problems just remember they will pass . Congrats all and don’t give up

Scott

3:32 pm August 29th, 2014

I have found that keeping myself consistantly moving and having music playing helps with the cravings…. is this a healthy thing to be doing? Downsides thiugh my stomach feels like it is turning and flipping all the time and it is very uncomfortable.

Lungs hurt!!!

3:06 pm September 5th, 2014

Hi everyone, I started really feeling sick smoking the cigarette and it was not anymore that original pleasant feelings…after a lot attempts I feel that now I am in the right direction, and it has now been three days that I stopped and no matter what I am not going to smoke again….I cut on driking because for me they go almost hand in hand…

My lungs are screaming, they hurt a lot…they felt itchy at the beginning but now it feels like waves of pain inside my lungs. Before quitting smoking my lungs were already hurting a bit, but in some nights where I used to drink and smoke a lot (mainly fridays) the pain disappears which I found very weird, but as soon as the weekend is over, lung pain comes back with a vengence…so I decided to quit completely this poison…I am scared I have something bad but I am not going to give up and all I want is for this pain to disappear. Can someone give some advice or share anything that helped reducing the lung pain?

Bob

7:34 pm September 27th, 2014

I quit smoking cigarettes on February 7, 2013, after smoking for over 40 years. I quit because I would lay awake at night and think about getting lung cancer or some other awful illness from smoking. I used nicotine lozenges to get my nicotine fix while I concentrated on giving up the cigarettes themselves. Then I ended up spending over another year getting off those nicotine lozenges. Nicotine is a VERY evil drug. And after 40 years of soaking myself in it, my brain would scream for more whenever I quit supplying it. I have, however, been smoke-free for almost 2 years now and feel so much better. I wish everyone here the very best of luck with their efforts to quit. Remember, if you try to quit, but fail, you are not a failure. Try again. And again, if necessary. You WILL be able to take control eventually! @ Lungs Hurt: I hope you are still smoke-free. The pain that you feel, however, is not a normal feeling. Pain is natures way of saying something is not right. I am not a doctor, and I am not trying to alarm you, but you really should see a doctor if you are still experiencing any pain in your lungs.

Sharon

7:45 pm January 2nd, 2015

Hi, I’ve quit smoking for my new years resolution. So, I look at it like I’m half way to the 3 day mark and that can be my first small celebration. I started back on new years 5 years ago after being quit for over 10 years. Dumbest thing I ever did is pick up a cigarette after all those years. I am quitting cold turkey. It is tough, but keeping a straw I’ve cut in half in my mouth helps. I chew on it and sometimes I puff on it just like I would a cigarette. I plan to increase water intake tonight and I am allowing myself to sleep more than usual as I need. I’m glad I’m here by myself. If someone were here, I’d be tempted to show my illness and I might try to use something said or happening as an excuse to smoke.

renna

12:27 pm January 11th, 2015

My husband has not had a smoke in 4 days , the other night he started shaking uncontrollably, i was worried. Is this part of the nicotine withdrawal ? please help i need tips to help him avoid the shaking . Thank you

The Bandit

11:30 am January 23rd, 2015

I’ve been smoking for 32 years. I’m a HARD CORE smoker and today is 22 days without a puff (that’s right, not even a puff). If I can do this anyone can, you just need to be ready. If I could have smoked in the shower I would have…and now nothing. My dirty best friend is gone. Kinda sad but I’m ready. I do feel as if I’m going crazy though. After 4 am and I’m still up! Tried listening to spa/relaxation sounds to keep my mind from racing and get to sleep…then I started wondering “how the music was recorded”…”wonder if they are playing this live”…”what instruments”…hahaha. My mind never stops when my head goes onto my pillow. I’d never make it if it weren’t for the patch. Other than becoming a total freak (emotional changes, insomnia, distracted/unclear thought) I’m pretty good. It’s really not painful. I keep treating it as a heroin addict would treat being around drugs…”I’m an addict and I can’t even have one puff”. That one-day-at-a-time thing is work’n pretty good. I tell myself to just don’t smoke for this one day. Sometimes I lie to myself and tell myself that maybe someday but I know it’s not possible. Anyway…I’m not just saying this, if I can do this than you can do it. Good luck! Hang in there!!!!!

Renee

6:30 am February 22nd, 2015

I quit smoking, after 14 years, cold turkey the first time and was doing really well after the first 3 days to a week until I moved and was constantly around heavy smokers and 32 days after quitting I had “just one”. That “one” turned into a 2?year battle with cigarettes. I’d quit and chew the gum relentlessly. Then I’d smoke again… And that was a VICIOUS cycle. 7 months ago I finally put the cigarettes down and have been chewing 4mg g since. I do not advise anyone with major addiction issues to go the route of the gum. I am about 56 hours into no gum at all. (I knew that “weaning” myself woul. Never happen- I’d just chew 2 pieces of the 2mg) I’m suffering from major depression and anxiety and its taking everything I’ve got to not give in. I still love that cigarette and would love to indulge right now- but I wont. Just BEWARE – the gum is JUST as addicting as the cigarettes. If you only care about not smoking this wont be a problem- but if you’re wanting free from addiction, please- PLEASE- stay away from the gum

Bob

3:54 pm February 24th, 2015

I initially wrote about quitting smoking on September 27, 2014. I had quit smoking on February 7, 2013, after smoking for more than 40 years. I used 4 mg. nicotine lozenges to supply the nicotine while I working on divorcing myself from the cigarettes. I knew that I still had a nicotine problem, BUT THE POINT WAS TO QUIT SMOKING first. Which I successfully did. But I continued using the lozenges for almost 2 years. I would joke that it was time to start smoking so that I could quit the lozenges. The lozenges cost nearly as much as the damn cigarettes that they replaced! But as I approached my 2 year anniversary of quitting smoking, I determined to give up the lozenges last month. It was tough in it’s own way, but I managed to finally kick this residual nicotine vice. So now I can say that it is all finally behind me. My advice to anyone desiring to quit: Use whatever crutch you might find or need in order to help you put down the cigarettes. It is the SMOKING that needs to be dealt with. That is the unhealthy part. Once you have conquered the smoking habit, THEN you can move on to controlling anything else. And good luck to everyone out there who is trying to quit. I know that it’s not easy, but IT CAN BE DONE!

Hi Debbie. You can see your doctor for medical advise on Ambien withdrawal. Because Ambien withdrawa...

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